John Eccles

(1668-1735)

English Composer, Issued a number of songs in 1691; joined the United Companies of Drury Lane as theater composer in 1693; when some actors split off to form a new troupe at Lincoln's Inn Fields in 1695, he became their music director. Produced many songs and masques along with incidental music for both theaters; active also at court, he served as musician-in-ordinary to the king and composed many court odes. He took part in a composing contest on Congreve's The Judgement of Parisin 1701 and composed Semele,an opera on a Congreve libretto (completed in 1707 but never performed). He retired from the theater soon thereafter, but continued to compose for the court.